How a popular over-the-counter drug is being abused in Utah

(KUTV)- The U.S. Food & Drug Administration is asking manufacturers of over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication to change and limit the way they package products due to the growing abuse of loperamide.

Loperamide, which is sold under the brand name, Imodium, along with other generics, is safe at approved doses. The packaging instructs users to only take up to a maximum of four 2-milligram tablets per day.

Multiple reports suggest some people have been taking hundreds of tablets a day.

According to a 2016 study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, Imodium A-D, in massive doses, works the same way in the body as heroin. However, loperamide is a much cheaper option.

In fact, a quick online search shows you can buy hundreds of tablets for less than $50.